Folder loader machines



I. L. NELSON FOLDER LOADER MACHINES Aug. 29, 1961 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 16, 1959 ATTG hhM MM whm mm Nmh Allg- 1961 L. NELSON 2,997,830

FQLDW LUADER MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1959 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 Lllllll'l Z 54 59 5 7 [re /V/5'0I1 BY QM m ATTORNEY Aug. 29, 1961 1. NELSON FOLDER LOADER MACHINES l1 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 16, 1959 INVENTOR 6 [Van /Ve/$0n ATTORNEY 1961 I. L. NELSON 2,997,830

Fomm mwm am Filed Feb. 16, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 [yer Ale/son A'ITO 11. Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Aug. 29, 1961 l. NELSON FOLDER LOADER MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1959 1 7a 9 [Ver- /Ve/son Aug. 29, 1961 I. NELSON 2,997,830

FOLDER LOADER MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR fz/er' /V/$a/1 ATTORNEY 9, 1961 l. L. NELSON 2,997,830

FOLDER LOADER MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1959 ll Sheets-Sheet 7 H G [4 INVENTOR f yer A e/san BY Qo wi m ATTORNEY Aug. 29, 1961 l. L. NELSON 2,997,830

. FOLDER LoAbER MACHINES Filed Feb. 16,1959 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR [yer /V/$orz ATTORNEY Aug. 29, 1961 1. L. NELSON FOLDER LOADER MACHINES 11 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Feb. 16, 1959 Aug. 29, 1961 l. 1.. NELSON FOLDER LOADER MACHINES ll Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed Feb. 16, 1959 United States Filed Feb. 16, 1959, Ser. No. 793,601 22 Claims. (CI. 53-62) This invention relates to an improvement in folder loader machines and deals particularly with an apparatus for folding a container blank and wrapping and sealing the blank about the container contents.

Various types of devices have been employed for filling containers. Most containers are of the top loading type and the carton contents are dropped into the open top of the container after the bottom has been closed or at least partially closed. Other types of loading devices have been used in conjunction with end opening containers which are tubular structures with open ends through which the contents of the container may be plunged. The present machine forms a container somewhat similar to an end opening container but employs a flat blank which is folded about the carton contents, thus eliminating the necessity for the manufacturer to tape, glue or stitch the container at the time of its purchase.

A feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a moving conveyor which supports a series of pockets into which the container blank may be plunged to fold the blank from a flat form to a U-shaped form. Means are provided for forcing the flat blank over one of the pockets of the conveyor and plunger means are provided for forcing the blank downwardly into the pockets to produce the U-shaped form. Upon subsequent movement of the conveyor, the contents are plunged into the U-shaped blank While it is in U-shaped form. The upwardly projecting ends of the blank are then folded over the carton contents to form a tubular wrapper. The ends of the blank are provided with closing flaps which are folded down to enclose the ends of the folder and to secure the walls in contents enclosing condition.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a novel type of compression unit into which the filled containers are forced to fold the ends of the containers in sealed condition. The compression unit includes a vertical rectangular frame into which the containers are forced by a suitable elevator mechanism. The rectangular frame is of suitable height to contain several of the containers. The frame engages the ends of the container as well as the side walls thereof to hold the closing flaps in closed position until the glue has set. Due to the fact that the containers are arranged in superimposed relation in the compression unit, each container is held in proper rectangular form during the time required to set the adhesive. I

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a compression unit which is provided with a movably supported end wall engageable with an end of the stacked containers. As each case is forced upwardly into the compression unit, the pressure upon the movable side is relieved so that the containers may move upwardly with comparative ease. When the cases are at the proper elevation, the pressure against the movable wall is again applied so as to tightly clamp the superimposed containers in place.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of an accumulator which is capable of accumulating a number of articles and forcing them simultaneously into the folder. In the particular arrangement illustrated, the folders are used to contain rectangular cartons of the type normally used to contain frozen food or the like. During the operation of the apparatus,

atent names ice two rows of such cartons are fed in side by side relation into a carton elevator which comprises parallel vertical endless conveyors provided with opposed blades capable of supporting the rows of cartons. When the rows are in place, the endless conveyors move upwardly to accommodate two more rows of cartons. When the proper number of superimposed rows of cartons are in the elevator, all of the cartons are simultaneously plunged into the folder to fill the container.

These and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of the specification:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus in readiness for operation.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of one of the folders after the contents have been inserted thereinto and the folder sealed.

FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic view of the blank from which the folder of FIGURE 2 is formed.

FIGURE 4 is a transverse sectional view through a portion of the feed mechanism of the apparatus, the position of the section being indicated by the line 44 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic view showing a portion of the feed mechanism shown in FIGURE 4 showing a different position of the blank feeding mechanism.

FIGURE 6 is a longitudinal sectional view through a portion of the blank forming mechanism, the position of the section being indicated in general by the line 66 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 7 is a vertical section on a longitudinal plane through one end of the frame of the apparatus, showing the manner in which the conveyor chains are supported.

FIGURE 8 is a vertical section on a longitudinal plane through the apparatus, showing the manner in which the conveyor chains are supported and actuated.

FIGURE 9 is an end view of the discharge end of the machine, portions of the structure being broken away to better disclose the construction.

FIGURE 10 is a transverse sectional view through a portion of the apparatus showing the manner in which the top panels of the folder are folded down over the contents.

FIGURE 11 is a transverse sectional view through the machine adjoining the accumulator, the position of the section being indicated by the line 11-11 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 12 is a side elevational view of the accumulator structure.

FIGURE 13 is a vertical sectional view through the accumulator as the accumulator forces the container contents into the folders.

FIGURE 14 is a horizontal sectional view through the accumulator, the position of the section being indicated by the line 1414 of FIGURE 11.

FIGURE 15 is a horizontal sectional view through a detail portion of the accumulator.

FIGURE 16 is a vertical section through a portion of the accumulator, the position of the section being indicated by the line Ito-16 of FIGURE 15.

FIGURE 17 is a side elevational view of the portion of the flap folding section, the glue applying section, and the compression section of the apparatus.

FIGURE 18 is a sectional view transversely through the machine looking toward the compression section.

FIGURE 19 is an end elevational view of a portion of the compression section.

FIGURE 20 is a horizontal sectional view through the compression section, the position of the section being indicated by the line 20-44} of FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 21 is a diagram of the hydraulic system of the apparatus.

FIGURE 22 is a diagrammatic view of the air system of the apparatus.

FIGURE 23 is a wiring diagram of the apparatus.

The foldin and loading machine is illustrated in genera] in FIGURE 1 of the drawings and identified by the letter A. In general. the apparatus includes a blank feeding section, a blank plunging or forming section. a folder filling section. a flap folding section, a compression section. and a discharge section. A part of the flap folding section overlaps with the loading section, as will be later described.

The apparatus is designed to employ blanks B of the type illustrated in FIGURE 3 of the drawings and to fold them into the sealed containers best illustrated in FIGURE 2. In the preferred form illustrated, the blanks B include a bottom panel which is foldably connected along parallel fold lines 11 and 12 to side Wall panels 13 and 14 respectively. The side wall panels 13 and 14 are foldably connected along parallel fold lines 15 and 16 to top panels 17 and 19 respectively. In usual form. the panels 17 and 19 are in edge abutting relation in the folded condition of the containers. End flaps are connected to the various panels along parallel fold lines 20 and 21 which intersect the previously described fold lin s at right angles. The bottom panel is provided with end fl n-s 22. The side wall panels 13 and 14 are provided with end flaps 23 and 24 respectively. The toppanels 17 and 19 are foldably connected to top end flaps 25 and 2 respectively. In preferred form, the top and bottom flaps fold outwardly of the side wall flaps and are arranged in edge abutting relation.

The feed section The feed section of the apparatus is best illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5 of the drawings. In general, the machine A is provided with a frame 27 which includes a pair of parallel side rails 29 and 30 supported at suitable intervals with leg units 31. The ends of the frame include parallel side panels, the side panels at the entrance end of the apparatus being designated by the numeral 32 while the side panels at the discharge end of the apparatus are identified by the numeral 33.

The feed section and the blank forming and plunging section include frame side plates 34- and 35 extending upwardly from the side rails 29 and 30. A table frame 36 extends laterallv from the side plates 35 to support a feed table 37. The table frame 36 is supported by a suitab e leg unit 39 which holds the table 37 in a substantially horizontal position laterally of the side plate 35.

A ho per is provided on the feed table 37 to support a plurality of blanks B in superimposed relation. The hopper includes spaced opposed side guides 39 designed to enuage opposite ends of the blanks B to hold them in proper relation. The hopper also includes front guides 40 which are adiustably supported for vertical movement by suitab e threaded adjustment member 41. A wedge shaped plate 42 overlies the feed table 37 beneath the front guides 40 and acts to support an edge of the lowermost blank B. The front guides 40 are adjusted so that the lower end 43 of each guide 40 is spaced above the wedge shaped plate 42 a distance substantially equal to the thickness of a blank B. As a result, during the feeding operation, only the lowermost blank B of the series may be moved.

The hopper also includes rear guides 44 which are supported slightly above the level of the table 37 by a spacer block 45. The rear guides 44 are preferably rearwardly inclined so as to simplify the operation of filling the hopper while still assuring the proper location of the lowermost blank. The rear guides 44 are also preferably lower than the remaining guides and are provided with rounded upper surfaces 46 over which the blanks may slide while inserting them into the hopper.

The feed table 37 is provided with a slot 47 which is at right angles to the side plate 35 of the frame. The table frame 36 includes a track 49 which slidably supports a feed carriage 50 moving longitudinally of the slot 47. The feed carriage 50 includes a kicker 51 which extends through the slot 47 and above the level of the feed table 37. This kicker 51 includes a shoulder 52 which is engageable with the rear edge of the lowermost blank B to move the blank into the apparatus A. The side plate 35 is provided with an aperture 53 therethrough through which the blanks may be fed by the kicker 51.

A bracket 54 is mounted on the undersurface of the carriage 50. In actual practice, the feed table is provided with parallel slots 47 rather than a single slot and two feed carriages and kickers are provided in parallel relation, only one being illustrated in detail. Thus, the bracket 54 actually connects the two feed carriages to operate the same in unison. The bracket 54 includes a downturned flange 55 which supports ears 56 pivotally connected at 57 to a piston rod 59. The piston rod 59 is connected to a piston 60 within a cylinder 61 and is reciprocated within the cylinder by hydraulic fluid in a manner which will be later described.

The feed mechanism also includes a pair of feed rollers 62 and 63 mounted on vertically spaced horizontal shafts 64 and 65, supported by vertically adjustable bearing blocks 66 mounted upon the side plate 35 on opposite sides of the aperture 53. As indicated in FIGURE 6 of the drawings, a feed motor 67 is mounted upon the frame 27 and is provided with a pulley 66 connected to a cooperable pulley 68 on the shaft by a suitable belt 69. Cooperable gears 70 and 71 are provided on the shafts 64 and 65 to drive these shafts in unison. The two feed rollers 62 and 63 are spring urged together and are designed to engage opposite surfaces of the lowermost blank B as the blank is fed between these rollers by the kickers 51 as the blanks are moved into the position shown in FIGURE 5. The feed wheels 62 and 63 then draw the blank through the aperture 53 and urge it against adjustable stops 72 on the side plate 34. As is best indicated in FIGURE 6 of the drawings, the side plates 34 and 35 are held in properly spaced parallel relation by upper cross members 73 and lower cross members 74. A shaft 75 is supported by bearings 76 on the cross members 74, the shaft extending through the rearmost cross member 74 to provide an extended end 77. A sprocket 79 is provided on this extended end 77 and a cooperable sprocket is provided on an end of the roller shaft 64. The sprockets 79 and 80 are connected by a drive chain 81 which rotates the shaft 75 in unison with the upper feed roller 62.

A sleeve 82 is rotatably mounted upon the shaft 75 and supports a pair of parallel arms 83 which extend radially therefrom. Pivots 34 are provided in aligned relation near the ends of the arms 83 to support pulleys 55. Cooperable pulleys 86 are supported on the shaft '75 for rotation therewith, the pulleys and 36 being connected by belts 87. The portions of the belts extending over the pulleys 85 form friction surfaces which are engageable with the upper surfaces of the blank 8 as it is fed into the apparatus acting to prevent rebounding of the blanks B and holding the blanks against the stops 72. The belts 87 are moved into and out of carton blank engaging position by the mechanism best illustrated in FIGURE 4 of the drawings.

An arm 89 is mounted upon the sleeve 82 for rotation therewith. This arm 83 is pivotally connected at 96 to the piston rod 91 which is connected to a piston 92 within a cylinder 93. The cylinder 93 is pivotally connected at 94 to a bracket 95 mounted on a cross member 96 connecting the side plates 34 and 35. With this arrangement, the arms 83 which supports the belt pulleys 85 may be pivoted from the position shown in full lines in FIGURE 4, in which position the belts engage the upper surface of the blank B, to the position shown in dotted outline in this figure in which they are well out of operating position.

The conveyor system In order to understand the operation of the various portions of the apparatus, it should be known that the frame 27 supports a conveyor having container blank receiving pockets thereon which remove the container or folder blank from one stage to another. The conveyor is illustrated in FIGURE 1 and is indicated in general by the numeral 97. The opposite ends of the conveyor are best illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8 of the drawings. A shaft 99 is supported by a pair of slidable bearings 100 which are slidably supported upon tracks 101 mounted on the inner surfaces of the side plates 32 The bearings 100 may be moved longitudinally on the machine by means of threaded rods 102 which are attached to the bearings 100 and which extend through a cross member 103 connecting the side plates 32. Clamping nuts 104 may be employed to exert a pulling force upon the bearings 100 to adjust the tension of the conveyor chains as will be later understood.

A pair of side by side sprockets 105- are mounted upon the shaft 99 and act to support a pair of side by side conveyor chains 106. The conveyor chains 6' extend to the discharge end of the apparatus which is illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 8 of the drawings.

Bearings 107 are provided on the side plates 33 at the outlet end of the machine to support a transverse shaft 109. The shaft 10? supports a pair of side by side sprockets 110 which are aligned with the sprockets 105 and which support the other end of the conveyor chains 106. A gear 111 is mounted upon the shaft 109 and is rotatable relative thereto. A ratchet cam having a pair of oppositely disposed ratchet teeth 113 is connected to the gear for rotation in unison therewith. An indexing cam 114 is keyed to the shaft 109 and supports a pair of pawls or dogs 115 which are pivotally supported at 116 and which are engageable with the shoulders 113 on the ratchet earn 112.

A gear rack 117 is slidable over a fixed support 119 and is connected to a piston rod 120 attached to a piston 121 in a hydraulic cylinder 122. Movement of the piston 121 to the left as viewed in FIGURE 8 will act to move the rack 117 to the left rotating the gear 111 and cam 112 in a clockwise direction. As the ratchet shoulders or teeth 113 are in engagement with the ratchet dogs 115, the indexing cam 114 will be rotated through a distance of 180. Reciprocation of the rack 117 in the opposite direction or to the right as viewed in FIGURE .8 will cause counterclockwise rotation of the gear 111 and cam 112 while the indexing cam 114 and the shaft 109 remain stationary. In view of the fact that the indexing cam 114 and sprockets 110 are mounted upon the shaft 109 and rotate therewith, each reciprocation of the rack 117 will move the sprockets 110 in a clockwise direction causing a corresponding movement of the conveyor chains 106 Upon return reciprocation of the rack, the conveyor chains will remain stationary.

The rack 117 is provided with an extension 123 supported by a bearing 124 and supporting a transverse plate 125 which is engageable with limit switches at opposite ends of the movement of the rack. These limit switches will be later described in conjunction with the wiring diagram.

As indicated in FIGURES 8 and 9, an indexing stop 126 is connected to a piston rod 127 connected to a piston 129 in an indexing cylinder 130. The stop 126 is movable toward or away from the indexing cam 114 and is normally urged toward the surface of the cam to engage against either of a pair of diametrically opposed shoulders 131 on the indexing earn 114. The stop 126 limits the movement of the indexing cam and stops the conveyor 6 chains accurately after they have moved through a car: tain predetermined distance. The stop 126 is retracted before the next cycle of operation of the rack 117.

As indicated in FIGURE 10 of the drawings, the upper reaches of the conveyor chains 106 are supported by longitudinally extending rails 132 which are supported by cross members such as 133 extending between the frame side members 29 and 30. As also indicated in FIGURE 10, the conveyor chains 106 are provided with longitudinally spaced angle brackets 134 which are secured in opposed relation to opposite sides of the chains and which are secured to the base plates 135 of box-iike structures mounted in longitudinally spaced relation upon the conveyor chains 106 and movable therewith. These box-like structures are mounted in pairs, and form hollow blocks 136 and 137 between which the container blanks are formed and contained. As indicated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the base plates 135 extend beyond the spaced walls 139 and 140 of the blocks 136 and 137. The width of the pockets may be adjusted by securing wall blocks 141 and 142 to the opposed surfaces of the walls 139 and 140 to vary the effective distance between the blocks. Top blocks 143 and 144 overlie the tops of the spaced blocks 136 and 137 to support the carton blanks at the proper elevation. The depth of the pockets between the spaced blocks 136 and 137 may be adjusted by securing base blocks 145 and 146 to the inwardly extending ends of the base plates 135. In actual practice, the blocks 136 and 137 are spaced apart a distance proper to accommodate the base panel 10 of the widest blank to be used. By applying the side wall blocks 141 and 142, the pockets may be provided to accommodate a narrower blank. The base blocks 145 and 146 are of the proper thickness to accommodate side wall panels 13 and 14 of the proper width.

With reference to FIGURE 9 of the drawings, it will be noted that the base plates 135 extend laterally beyond the sides of the blocks 136 and 137. Rails or tracks 147 are supported by angle brackets 149 beneath the laterally extended edges of the base plates 135 during the low reaches of the conveyor chains 106 to form a support for the conveyors and boxes. The brackets 149 are supported by cross members 150 extending between the spaced leg units 31.

The movement of the conveyor chains carries the pockets formed by the spaced blocks 136 and 137 from one stage to another of the machine. The pockets are first centered with respect to the feed hopper so that a blank B is properly fed into position over the pocket between the blocks. After the blank has been folded into U- shaped form in a manner which will be later described, the conveyor carries the pockets and folded blanks into alignment with the accumulator section which will be later described. The conveyor then carries the folded and filled blanks to a folding stage so that during the travel of the conveyor the top panels and end flaps may be folded into partially closed position. As the pockets move from the. folding stage to the compression stage, glue is applied to certain of the flaps and the remaining flaps are folded into sealed relation. When the containers are in the compression stage, they are elevated by suitable means into the compression unit in a manner which will also be later described. In the initial registry of the blanks over the pockets, channel-shaped guides are mounted upon the upper surfaces of the blocks 136 and 137. These guides 151 and 152 are adjustable for different widths of blanks and the upper flange of the channel-shaped g'uides tends to hold back the top panels 17 and 19 of the blanks as the center bottom panel 10 is forced down into the pockets thus assisting in breaking the scores 15 and 16.

The blank forming melchanism in the description of the blank feeding mechanism, it has been described that the blanks are pushed between the feed wheels 62 and 63 which propel them against the a fixed stops 72 and the blanks are held against the stops by the belts 87. The belts 87 extend into closely spaced relation with the top blocks 143 and 144 and are positioned slightly outwardly thereof to prevent any tendency of crushing the corrugations of the blank. At the completion of the feed operation, the arms 83 which support the belts 187 are swung into the position shown in dotted outline in FIGURE 4 by the cylinder 93.

A pair of spaced plunger rods 153 are slidably supported in bearings 154 for vertical movement. A plunger head 155 is supported by the lower ends of the plunger rods 153. The upper ends of the plunger rods 153 are connected by a connecting bracket 156 which is pivotally connected at 157 to a piston rod 159 connected to a piston 160 in the plunger cylinder 161. The cylinder 161 is supported by a supporting bracket 162 mounted on a channel-shaped cross member 163 connecting the side plates 34 and 35 at the upper extremity thereof.

Vertical reciprocation of the piston 160 within the cylinder 161 causes a corresponding vertical reciprocation of the plunger head 155. This plunger head 155, which is normally above the level of the blank B as it is fed into the machine in the manner prescribed, extends downwardly against the bottom panel of the blank B causing the blank to be folded along the parallel fold lines 11 and 12 on opposite sides of this bottom panel. The side walls 13 and 14 are folded upwardly against the sides of the pockets and the top panels 17 and 19 in effect form continuations of the side walls. As previously described, the side guides 151 and 152 tend to restrain the upward movement of the panels 17 and 19 which tends to break the scores and 16.

The accumulator section The accumulator is best illustrated in FIGURES 11 through 15 of the drawings. As indicated in these figures, the device includes two opposed vertical conveyors which are designed to receive the inserted cartons and to move them upwardly into superimposed relation. The accumulator is mounted upon spaced opposed side plates 170 and 171, one of which is shown in FIGURES 11 and 13 as being in surface contact with one of the longitudinal frame sides 29. One conveyor includes an upper shaft 172 and a lower shaft 173 mounted in bearings such as 174- mounted on the side plates 170 and 171. The shafts 172 and 173 support spaced sprockets 175 and 178 on each of the two shafts, the sprockets of the two shafts being vertically aligned and connected by conveyor chains 176 and 177. The second parallel conveyor includes a pair of vertically spaced shafts 1.79 and 180 which support pairs of axially spaced sprockets 181 and 182. The sprockets 181 are vertically aligned as are the sprockets 182 and the sprockets are connected by conveyor chains 183 and 184.

The various conveyor chains comprise connected links 185 and 186, each of which supports a plate 187. Each of the plates 1187 supports a spacing block 189 and the two spacing blocks of each link 185 of the parallel conveyor chains 176, 177 or 183, 184 are connected by a connecting strip 190.

In FIGURE 11 of the drawings, the conveyor chains have been omitted in the interest of clarity. As shown in this figure and in FIGURE 12, a pair of vertical cross members 191 and 192 extend between the side plates 170 and 171 inwardly of the inner reaches of the two conveyor chains. Pairs of guide bars 193 and 194 are supported in vertical spaced relation on opposite sides of the inner reaches of each of the four conveyor chains. These guide bars are secured to the cross members 191 and 192 by bolts 195 as is best illustrated in FIGURE 15 of the drawings. The guide bars 193 and 194 are built up to provide opposed guide tracks or grooves 196 and 197 which accommodate the edges of the link supported plates 187. The spacing blocks 189 act to space the connecting strip 190 from the plates 187 so that these plates may be guided by the grooves 196 and 197.

Elevator blades 199 are secured to the undersurfaces of the strips 190 to extend at right angles thereto as indicated in FIGURE 16. These elevator plates are accordingly in horizontal position on the inner reaches of the conveyor chains and the elevator plates 199 of one pair of conveyor chains 176, 177 are on the same plane as the elevator plates 199 of the other pair of conveyor chains 183, 184 as is best illustrated in FIGURE 12 of the drawings.

Guide blocks 200 are secured to the strips 190, these blocks 200 having tapered ends 201 on the inlet side of the accumulator. The blocks 200 are removable and may be interchanged to permit the accumulator to be used with cartons of different widths. In other words, the blocks 200 may be removed entirely for use with wider cartons and may be increased in thickness when used on narrower cartons.

The drive mechanism for the accumulator is best seen in FIGURES 11 and 12 of the drawings. A platform 203 is supported at the upper ends of the side plates and 171 and the drive motor 204 is supported on the platform 203. The motor 204 is connected by a chain 205 to a sprocket 206 mounted upon a countershaft 207 supported by spaced bearings 209 on the platform 203. An electrically operated brake and clutch unit 210 is connected to the shaft 207 and acts to disconnect or connect the shaft 207 to a coaxial output shaft 211. The electrical brake and clutch serves to either form a connection between the shafts 207 and 211 to drive these shafts in unison or else to disconnect the shafts and stop the shaft 211 from rotation. Thus, the shaft 211 may operate intermittently when desired. The shaft 211 is connected through a coupling 212 to a gear reduction housing and gear reduction unit 213. The unit 213 is also supported upon the platform 203.

An intermitter unit 214 is mounted upon the side plate 170 and is connected to the output shaft 215 of the gear reduction unit 213 by a belt or chain 216. The input shaft 217 is driven at a constant rate of speed when the clutch and brake unit 218 permits such rotation. The output shaft 219 of the intermitter unit is driven intermittently. For example, the shaft 219 may rotate during onethird of the revolution of the input shaft 217 and may remain stationary during the remaining two-thirds of the rotation of the input shaft.

The intermittently rotating shaft 219 supports a gear 220 which is in mesh with a cooperable gear 221 on the upper conveyor shaft 179. The gear 220 is also connected through an idle gear 222 to a gear 223 on the upper conveyor shaft 172. Thus, the conveyors are intermittently operated in opposite directions so that the inner reaches of the conveyor move upwardly at regular intervals when the clutch unit 210 is engaged.

Cartons such as C are conveyed into the accumulator by a slip belt 224 which moves in a direction parallel to the axes of the accumulator conveyors. The cartons C in the present instance are arranged in side by side relation and are forced upon a pair of opposed elevator blades 199 of the two conveyors until the foremost cartons engage a fixed stop 225 seen in FIGURE 13. The front cartons of the conveyor belt 224 enter the accumulator between opposed pairs of elevator blades during the time these blades are stationary. In the present illustration, the elevator blades 191 are of proper length to accommodate tWo parallel rows of three cartons. When the cartons are in position upon the blades 199, the intermitter 214 acts to move the accumulator upwardly a distance equal to the distance between the blades 199 on the accumulator conveyors. As soon as the bladm 199 move upwardly the proper distance, another series of cartons C are forced into position on the next succeeding elevator blades 199 by the slip belt 224.

In actual practice, the cartons C in each row extend Slightly beyond the ends of the blades 199 so that the cartons which are in place in the accumulator hold the remaining cartons from entering the accumulator until the elevator blades have moved upwardly a distance sufficient to permit the next cartons C to enter.

The accumulator may act to accumulate a desired number of vertically spaced rows of cartons C and in the present illustration, four vertically spaced rows of cartons are accumulated. As soon as the desired number of rows have been lifted by the elevator blades 199 to a point above the level of the output table 226, a plunger is actuated to force the accumulated cartons from the elevator blades 199 over the output table 226 and into a folder blank B which is in aligned relation to the accumulator and which has, at this point, been folded into U-shaped formation. 9

As is evident from FIGURE 13 of the drawings, the side plate 170 is provided with an aperture 227 through which the cartons may pass from the slip belt C over the short input table 229 and onto the elevator blades 199 until they engage the stop 225. The side plate 171 is also provided with an aperture 230 which is of suflicient size to permit the superimposed rows of cartons C to be ejected.

The plunger 231 is mounted upon the end of a piston rod 232 connected to a piston 233 within the cylinder 234. The plunger 231 is properly shaped to fit between the elevator blades 199 and to engage the rear surfaces of the superimposed cartons and to force them over the output table 226 and into the pocked formed of the carton blank. The cylinder 234 is supported by a laterally extending brace 235. A rod 236 is connected to the plunger 231 to move in unison therewith. This rod 236 is slidably supported by bearings such as 237 for the pur pose of operating limit switches at opposite ends of the movement of the plunger 231.

Folder flap folding means The means of folding the end flaps 23 and 24 on the two opposed side walls 13 and 14 of the folder is illustrated in FIGURES 13 and 14 of the drawings. As noted in FIGURE 14, a vertical shaft 240 is supported by a suitable bearing 239 on the side member 30 of the frame opposite the rear portion of the folder B when this folder is aligned with the accumulator to receive cartons therefrom. A folding horn 241 engages the forward side wall flap such as '23 as the folder B moves toward aligned position with the accumulator and acts to fold the flap 23 into substantially right angular relation to the wall 13 from which it is hinged. As the folder B moves into aligned relation with the accumulator, a folding arm 242 having a rounded hook-shaped end 243 engages the opposed flap 24 and-folds this rear flap into right angular relation to the side wall 14 from which it is hinged. The flap 24 is held in right angular relation by the folding horn 241 which engages it as the blank starts movement to the next successive position. As soon as the flap 24 is engaged by the folding horn 241, the folding arm 242 is free to return to its normal inoperative position indicated in dotted outline in FIGURE 14. In this position, the hook end 243 is slightly out of the path of the flaps so that the edge of the flap 24 can pass the hook ends before the folding arm 242 is actuated.

The two flaps 23 and 24 at one end of the folder are folded and held in folded relation to form a stop or wall against which the cartons C may engage so that the momentum of the plunger 231 will not force the cartons C past their proper relation in the folder.

The shaft 240 is rotated by means of an arm 244 which is attached to the shaft 240 and which is pivotally attached at 245 to a piston rod 246 connected to a piston 247 in a cylinder 249. The piston 247 is in turn pivotally connected at 250 to a bracket 251 attached to the frame side 30. The reciprocation of the piston 247 in its cylinder Z49 acts to pivot the folding arm 242 from the dotted 10 line position to the position shown in full lines in FIGURE 14 and then to return the folding arm to its normal dotted outline position.

As indicated in FIGURES '10 and 17 of the drawings a pair of supporting brackets 252 and 253 extend upwardly from the frame sides 29 and 30 and act as a support for a transverse shaft 254. A bearing 255 is supported between spaced collars 256 centrally of the shaft 254 and acts as a support for the leading end 257 of a folding horn or folding bar 259. This folding horn 259 is in the path of movement of the foremost cover panel 17 as it moves from one stage to another and folds this cover panel 17 down into horizontal position to cover the contents of the folder. The rearward top panel 19 is folded forwardly by a pair of rotatable folding arms 260 having rea'rwardly turned arcuate ends 261. The folding arms 260 rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 17 and are supported by hubs or collars 262 mounted upon the transverse shaft 254 for rotation in unison therewith.

The shaft 254 is rotated by a pair of beveled gears 263 and 264, one of which is mounted upon the shaft 254 and the other of which is supported upon the upper end of a vertical shaft 265 supported in bearings 266 on the bracket 253 and the side frame member 30. The shaft 265 is rotated through cooperable bevel gears 267 and 269, the first of which is mounted on the lower end of the shaft :265 and the other of which is supported upon a horizontal shaft 270. The shaft 270 is supported by bearings such as 271 attached to the frame side 30. As indicated in FIGURE 18 of the drawings, a bevel gear 272 on the end of the shaft 270 is driven by a cooperable bevel gear 273 on the conveyor supporting shaft 109. The con veyor shaft 109 is shown in broken lines in FIGURE 18 of the drawings as the remainder of the mechanism mounted on this shaft and associated therewith have been omitted from FIGURE 18 in the interest of clarity.

A device is provided similar to that used for closing the side wall flaps 23 and 24 at one end of the folder for closing the flaps at the other end thereof. Due to the fact that the two devices are virtually identical, the second one is not illustrated in any detail. It is believed sufficient to state that the folding horn 274 is supported in the path of movement of the forward flap 23 when the folders reach the position illustrated in FIGURE 17 of the drawings to fold this flap 23 to right angle relation with the side wall 13 to which it is hinged. A vertical shaft 275 is supported in the bearing 276 attached to the side member 29 of the frame and supports at its upper end a hook shaped folding member 277 similar to the folding arm 244 but reversed in position. A radially extending arm 279 is secured to the lower end of the shaft 275 and this arm is pivotally connected to the piston rod 285) of a piston 281 slidable in a cylinder 282. The cylinder 282 is hingedly secured at 28-3 to the side frame member 29. Thus, when the piston 281 is actuated, the folding arm 277 swings forwardly and folds the rear flap 24 into folder closing position. Upon further travel of the folder, the flap 24 is held in closing position by the folding horn 274.

Folding bars 284 and 285 are mounted on each side of the machine in the path of movement of the top panels 17 and 19 and of the fiaps of the bottom panel 10. The bar 284 engages the flaps 25 and 26 to hold them downwardly while the bar 285 engages the bottom flaps 22 to fold them upwardly so that the ends of the top flaps abut the ends of the bottom flaps.

Subsequent to the inward folding of the side wall flaps 23 and 24 and previous to the downward and upward folding of the top and bottom flaps, glue is applied to the inner surface of the top and bottom flaps. The means of applying the glue is not illustrated in detail, as any suitable means can be employed. In the particular arrangement illustrated, glue rollers 286 and 287 are illustrated, the glue roller 2'86 engaging the undersurfaces of 1 1 the top flaps 25 and 26 and the glue roller 287 being engageable with the upper surface of the end flaps 22. The same construction is employed on both sides of the apparatus.

The accumulator section The accumulator is constructed as best illustrated in FIGURES 17 through 20 of the drawings. The accumulator includes a generally rectangular upright frame. The frame sides include a pair of spaced upright frame members 290 and 291 connected by vertically spaced top and bottom cross members 292 and 293 and an intermediate cross member 294. The rear edges of the uprights 290 are connected by upper and lower cross members 295 and 296. The opposite side of the frame includes a rectangular angle iron door frame 297 which is connected to one of the upright frame members 291 by hinge pivots 299. Latches 300 are mounted upon the opposite frame side 291 to hold the door in a closed position.

Spacing members 301 are secured to the upper and lower cross members 295 and 296 to extend inwardly therefrom. These spacing members 301 support vertical channels 302 which serve as guides for one side of the folder. Upper and lower spacing members 303 are secured to the top and bottom portions of the rectangular door frame 297 and support channels 304 which are parallel to the channels 302. The bases of the channels 302 and 304 are directed inwardly to serve as flat surfaces which are engageable with opposite side walls of the folders. An end compression frame 305 is supported by the cross members 292 and 293 of one frame side. The frame 305 comprises a pair of opposed spaced angles 306 connected by cross connecting members 307. Parallel links 309 are hingedly connected at 310 to cross members 307 and these links are hingedly connected at their upper ends by pivots 311 to bearing brackets 312 on the cross members 292 and 293.

A pair of clevises 313 are pivotally connected at 314 to the two links 369 intermediate the ends thereof. A threaded shaft 315 connects the clevises 313. An adjustment nut 316 is rotatably supported upon the threaded shaft 315 to engage the undersurface of a bracket 317 on the intermediate cross member 294 of the side frame. A similar adjustment nut 3-19 engages the upper surface of the bracket 317. By adjusting the nuts 316 and 319, the angularity between the links 309 and the frame sides can be varied in order to move the frame 305 toward or away from the outer frame sides.

A frame 320 which is constructed identically to the frame 365 is pivotally connected at 321 to a pair of links 322 which are pivotally connected at 323 to a side of the outer frame member. A cylinder 324 is hingedly connected at 325 to a bracket 326 secured to a cross member of the outer frame. The cylinder 324 accommodates a piston 327 connected to a piston rod 329 which is pivotally connected to one of the links 322 at an intermediate pivot point 330. Thus the frame side 320 may be moved toward or away from the opposite frame 305 by operation of the piston within the cylinder 324.

A pair of folder supporting lugs 331 are pivotally connected by pivots 332 in notches 333 in the lower ends of all of the channels 302 and 304. These lugs 331 are normally urged inwardly by springs 334. The lugs 331 are designed to engage beneath the lowermost of a series of filled folders B which are in the compression unit. The arrangement described permits the compression on the ends of the folders to be released while the folders are being forced upwardly in the compression unit. As soon as the lowermost folder B has been raised to the desired extent, the frame side 320 is urged toward the opposite frame side 305 by the action of the cylinder 324.

The elevator for lifting the folders in the compression unit comprises a pair of T-shaped elevator elements 335 which include horizontal bars 336 designed to engage beneath the lowermost folder B as the filled folder reaches the accumulator station and vertical portions 337 which include spaced teeth 339 forming a gear rack. The gear racks 337 are in engagement with parallel gears 340 mounted upon a tranverse shaft 341. Each rack is movable between a pair of parallel guide plates 342 which assist in holding the T-shaped members 335 in upright position. As indicated in FIGURE 17 of the drawings, idle gears 343 are pivotally supported between the plates 342 and are engageable with the toothed side of the racks 337. Rollers 344 engage the opposite smooth side of each rack 337. Thus the racks are confined between the side plate 342 and between pairs of idle rollers and gears to support the racks for vertical movement.

The shaft 341 which supports the gears 340 which engage the racks 337 is provided with a gear 345 located outwardly of the frame side 30. As indicated in FIG- URES 1 and 18, a horizontal gear rack 346 is engaged with the gear 35 and is held in rack engaging position by a pivotally supported roller 347. The rack 346 is connected to the piston rod 349 of a piston 350 within the cylinder 351 attached to the frame side 30. Reciprocation of the piston 350 within the cylinder 351 acts to reciprocate the racks 346 to rotate the shaft 341 first in one direction and then in the other. Rotation of the shaft 341 acts through the gears 340 and racks 335 to raise and lower the elevators'. The cross members 336 engage the undersurface of the folder B and urge the sealed folder upwardly into the compression unit above the level of the pivoted latches or dogs 331 which are pivoted outwardly by the folder as it is forced upwardly. As soon as the folder B is above the level of these dogs 331, they are pulled inwardly by their springs to engage beneath the lowermost case and to hold the cases at the proper elevation. As each case is elevated, it forces upwardly the other cases in the compression unit until the uppermost case is above the level of the compression unit as indicated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings.

A plunger'352 is provided on the end of a piston rod 353 connected to a piston 354 in a cylinder 355 extending laterally from supporting brackets 356 at the upper end of the compression unit frame. Reciprocation of the piston 354 urges the uppermost folder B onto a suitable outlet conveyor 357 or other suitable means designed to convey the filled and sealed folders from the apparatus.

In the present apparatus, certain of the cylinders which have been mentioned are operated hydraulically and others are operated by compressed air. Obviously, one fluid or the other could be used throughout the apparatus if it is preferred. FIGURE 21 of the drawings shows the hydraulic system which controls the various hydraulic systems. The hydraulic system will next be described.

The hydraulic system The hydraulic system includes a reservoir 360 having an outlet pipe 361 connected to the intake of the pump 362 driven by a motor 363. The outlet of the pump is connected to a bypass line 364 through a pressure release valve 365. The fluid pressure line is also connected by a conduit 366 to the intake 367 of a pilot actuating reversing valve 369. The valve 369 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the ends of the indexing cylinder 122 to reciprocate the piston 121 and to drive the conveyor from one stage to another.

The operation of the valve 369 is controlled by operation of a solenoid actuated pilot valve 370. The inlet 371 of the pilot valve is connected through the pressure conduit 372. connected to the pump discharge. As the valve 370 is moved to one extreme position or the other by its solenoids, which will be described in conjunction with the wiring diagram, fluid under pressure is directed to one end or the other of the main valve 369 which controls the flow of pressure to the indexing cylinder 122. As reversing valves 369 and pilot valve 370 are in common use, the construction will not be described in detail.

The flow of hydraulic fluid to the elevator cylinder 351 is controlled by a main valve 373, the inlet of which is indicated at 374 connected to the pressure conduit 366. Operation of the main valve 373 is controlled by a solenoid actuated pilot valve 375, the inlet 376 of which is connected to the pressure conduit 372.

The feed cylinder 61 is actuated by a main valve 377, the inlet 379 of which is connected to the pressure conduit 366. The main valve 377 is controlled by a pilot valve 380 having its inlet 381 connected to pressure conduit 372.

The plunger cylinder 161 is controlled by a main valve 382, the inlet 383 of which is connected to the pressure conduit 366. The main valve 382 is controlled by a solenoid actuated pilot valve 384, the inlet 385 of which is connected to the pressure conduit 372.

As will be understood from the diagram, the discharge or return lines from the various cylinders described are connected to a return line 386 and the return lines from the pilot cylinders are connected to a return line 387. In order to relieve pressure upon the pump 362 when the machine is not in operation, a dump valve 389 is provided which is solenoid operated and which may be opened to permit the discharge of the pump 262 to be recirculated to the reservoir 360 -when the hydraulic system is turned on but the apparatus is not in operation.

The air circuit The air system of the apparatus is best illustrated in FIGURE 22 of the drawings. The air supply line 393 thrusts air through a filter 394, and a pressure regulating valve 395, a solenoid valve 396 and a lubricator 397 to a pressure line 399 to a series of valves which control the flow of air to various operating cylinders which have been described. Each of the valves is simple reversing valves which are operated from one position to the other by solenoids. The valves are arranged to direct air pressure to one side or the other of the various operating cylinders. The side of the cylinders not subjected to air pressure is directed through the valve to a suitable vent.

The belt feed cylinder 93 is controlled by the reversing valve 400 capable of directing air under pressure through a conduit 401 to one side of the pistion 92 and capable of delivering air under pressure through the conduit 402 to the other end of the cylinder upon reversal of the valve 400. In a similar way, the accumulator cylinder 234 is controlled by a valve 403 capable of delivering air under pressure through a conduit 404 to one side of the piston 233 and operable upon a reversal of the valve to direct air through a conduit 405 to the other side of the piston 233.

The flap tucking cylinders 249 and 282 are simultaneously operated but at different positions or stages of movement of the conveyor as has been described. The valve 406 is capable of directing air through the conduit 407 leading to the cylinders 249 and 282 on one side of the pistons 247 and 281 respectively. Upon reversal of the valve 406, air may be directed through the conduit 409 which is connected to the other ends of the two cylinders on the other sides of the pistons 247 and 281.

The case discharge valve 355 is controlled by a valve 410. The valve 410 is capable of directing air through a conduit 411 to one end of the cylinder 355 on one side of the piston 354 and upon reversal of the valve is capable of directing air through the conduit 412 to the opposite end of the cylinder and on the other side of the piston 354.

The compression cylinder 324 is controlled by operation of the valve 413. In one position, the valve 413 directs air through a conduit 414 and through a manually operable valve 415 to one end of the cylinder 324 on one side of the piston 327. Upon reversal of the valve 413, air may be directed through the conduit 416 and the manually operable valve 415 to the other end of the cylinder 324 and on the opposite side of the piston 327. The valve 415 is a manually operable reversing valve capable of being manually operated to release the air in the compression cylinder manually. The purpose of this arrangement is to release the compression in the com pression cylinder at the end of the operation of the ma-' chine so that the filled cases in the compression unit may be manually removed after a predetermined period 0t time. As the compression unit normally holds several cases of products, this means is employed for permitting the emptying of the machine at the completion of the operation.

The stop index cylinder 130 is controlled by operation of the solenoid operated Valve 417. In one position, the air from the pressure line 399 is directed through a conduit 419 to one end of the cylinder 130 on one side of the piston 129 and when the valve 417 is reversed, air is directed through the conduit 420 to the opposite end of the cylinder 130 and to the opposite side of the piston 129.

The wiring diagram of the apparatus will now be described.

Th'e wiring diagram FIGURE 23 shows two sources of current supply, one being a three phase source of current which may be in the nature of 440 volts. The line wires are shown at various points of the diagram as L1, L2 and L3. The various line wires marked L1, L2 and L3 are not connected to simplify the diagram but it should be understood that they may come from the same source. Also shown in the diagram are line wires L4 and L5 which may comprise an alternating current supply such as a volt line.

The pump motor 363 which provides hydraulic fluid under pressure is controlled by a starting relay 421 actuated by a solenoid 422. A master switch which is normally closed and which may be opened to provide an emergency stop is indicated at 423 in the portion of the line wire L4 which leads to the various motor controls and relays. A normally open starting switch 424 may be closed to connect the line wire L4 to a conductor 425 leading to the relay coil 422 and actuation of the relay coil 422 operates a holding circuit through the relay contact 426 and the normally closed stop switch 427 to maintain'the relay coil 422 energized. The other side of the relay coil 422 is permanently connected to an extension of the line wire L5.

A similar starting relay 429 controlls the operation of the feed motor 67. The line wire L4 is connected through a normally open starting switch 430 through the relay coil 431, the other terminal of which is connected to the line wire L5. Energization of the relay coil 431 closes a holding circuit through the relay contact 432 and the normally closed stop switch 433. Thus, the coil 431 remains energized until the stop switch 433 is opened.

The accumulator motor 204 is controlled by a similar relay 434. The line wire L4 is connected through the normally open starting switch 435 to the conductor 436 leading to the relay coil 437. The other terminal of the relay coil 437 is connected to an extension of the line wire L5. The conductor 436 also is connected to the relay contact 439 through the normally closed stop switch 440. Thus, when the relay coil 437 has been energized, the holding circuit retains the relay coil 437 energized until the stop switch 440 is opened.

The power to maintain the circuits to the various solenoid operated valves is controlled by the relay 441. A normally open starting switch 442 connects the line Wire L4 to a conductor 443 connected to one terminal of the relay coil 444. The other terminal of the relay coil 444 is connected to an extension of the line wire L5. The conductor 443 is also connected to a relay contact 445 which when closed closes a circuit through the normally closed stop switch 446 to the line wire L4. Thus, once the relay coil 444 has been energized, the relay coil remains energized until the stop switch 446 is opened.

The relay 447 is also provided for controlling the operation of the normally open dump valve 389 which permits recirculation of the hydraulic fluid from the pump to the reservoir. When the relay 447 is actuated, the dump valve 389 is closed directing fluid under pressure to the various cylinders through their respective valves.

The line wire L is connected through a normally open starting switch 449 to a conductor 450 connected to one terminal of the relay coil 451. The other terminal of the coil 451 is connected to an extension of the line wire L4. The conductor 450 is also connected through a relay con tact 452 to a normally closed stop switch 453. Thus, once the relay coil 451 is actuated, the coil will remain energized until the stop switch 453 is opened. The closing of the relay 447 acts through the contact blades 454 to the valve solenoid 455, the other terminal of which is connected to the line wire L4. Thus, when the starting switch 449 is closed, the relay 447 is energized and the valve 389 is closed through the energization of the solenoid 455.

An additional relay 456 is provided to control the valve 396 in the air supply line 399 to provide air for the various air operated cylinders. The line wire L5 is connected through a normally open starting switch 457 to a conductor 459 leading to one terminal of the relay coils 460, the other terminal of which is connected to an extension of the line wire L4. The conductor 459 also is connected through a relay contact 461 and a normally closed stop switch 462 to line wire L5. Thus, when the relay 456 is energized, a holding circuit is maintained to keep the solenoid coil 460 energized until the stop switch 462 is operated.

The relay 456 includes a contact blade 463 which is designed to close a circuit from the line wire L5 to the solenoid coil 464, the other terminal of which is connected to an extension of the line wire L4. Thus, the air valve 396 is open at all times when the solenoid 456 is energized.

The relay 441 also includes a pair of contacts 465 and 466 which connect the line wire L5 to the line wire extension L5A and connects the line wire L4 to the extension L4A. Thus, when the relay 441 is actuated, the circuit is closed to the various solenoid operated valves which control the flow of fluid to the respective cylinders. In order to indicate the operation of the valves and the control of the cylinders, the reversing valves which control the flow of air and hydraulic fluid to the cylinders have been indicated in conjunction with a pair of solenoids, either of which can be energized to direct fluid to one end or the other of the various cylinders in the manner which has been described in conjunction with the hydraulic fluid system and in conjunction with the air system. Furthermore, the various cylinders which are controlled by the valves are diagrammatically illustrated and the limit switches which are operated by movement of the pistons within the cylinders has also been disclosed. The solenoids have been shown adjoining the ends of the cylinders and it should be understood that when the solenoid at one end of the cylinder is energized, fluid is directed to a corresponding end of the cylinder and when the solenoid at the other end of the cylinder is energized, fluid is directed by the valve to the other end of the cylinder.

With reference now to the upper right hand portion of FIGURE 23, it will be noted that the line wires L1, L2 and L3 are connected through a transformer 467 to line wires LIA and L3A which are of lower voltage. These conductors LIA and L3A are connected to opposite sides of a bridge rectifier 469 which produces a source of direct current in the direct current lines 470 and 471. The conductor 470 is connected to one terminal of a magnetic clutch coil 472 and to one terminal of a magnetic break coil 473. The other side of the clutch coil 472 is connected through a variable resistance 474 connected by a conductor 475 to a normally open relay contact 476 of a relay 477. When closed, the relay contact 476 is connected to direct current line 471 thus completing a circuit from direct current line wire 470 to 16 line wire 471 through the clutch coil 472, energizing the clutch.

The other terminal of the brake coil 473 is connected through a variable resistance 479 to a conductor 480 leading to a second normally closed contact blade 481 forming a part of the relay 477. When closed, the contact blade 481 is connected to the line wire 471 thus completing a circuit which is normally closed through the brake coil 473 to normally actuate the magnetic brake. Accordingly, the relay 477 may function when not energized to close the circuit to the magnetic brake 473, this coil being a part of the magnetic clutch and brake unit 210. When the relay 477 is energized, the circuit to the brake is opened and the circuit to the clutch is closed thus permitting the accumulator to operate.

The relay coil 482 which actuates the relay 477 has one terminal connected to the line wire LlA and the other terminal connected through a conductor 483 to a relay contact blade 484 forming a part of a relay 485. When the relay 485 is energized, the contact blade 484 closes a circuit through the conductor 486 leading to the line wire L3A. Thus, the relay coil 482 is actuated upon actuation of the relay 485.

As was described in conjunction with the description of the accumulator, two rows of cartons C are fed into the accumulator by a conveyor 224 and it is essential that the rows of cartons in the accumulator not be raised until the bottom rows are filled with cartons. Accordingly, a pair of switches 487 and 489 are provided in the path of movement of the cartons, the switches being closed only when the two rows of cartons to be elevated are filled. A top limit switch 490 is also arranged in the accumulator, with the switch 490 being actuated when a suflicient number of super-imposed rows of cartons are positioned within the accumulator. The switch 490 includes a normally closed contact blade 491. A circuit is provided to energize the relay coil of the relays 485 which will now be described.

The line wire L4A is connected to the normally open limit switch blade 492 which closes the circuit to a conductor 493 when the piston rod 232 of the accumulator cylinder 234 is in its normal retracted position. The conductor 493 is connected by conductor 494 to the switches 489 and 487 which are arranged in series. When the lower rows of cartons in the accumulator are filled these switches 487 and 489 are closed, closing a circuit to the conductor 495. The conductor 495 is connected through the normally closed upper limit switch Contact 491 to the conductor 496 connected to one terminal of the relay coil 497 of the relay 485. The other terminal of the relay 497 is connected to an extension of the line wire L5 to complete a circuit. Energization of the relay coil 497 acts in the manner previously described to release the magnetic brake and to energize the magnetic clutch. This action causes the accumulator blades to be lifted a distance suflicient to permit two rows of cartons to enter the next succeeding row of blades on the elevator conveyor.

When the relay coil 497 is energized, it closes a holding circuit which retains the circuit closed through one complete cycle of the intermitter to prevent the clutch from being disengaged as soon as the accumulator conveyor blades draw the cartons upwardly out of engagement with the limit switches. The relay 485 includes an armature or contact blade 499 which is engageable with a terminal connected by a conductor 500 to one side of the relay coil 497, the other side of which is connected to the line wire L5. The contact blade 499 is connected by a conductor 501 to a normally closed switch 502 which is opened during the stop period of the intermitter which actuates the accumulator conveyors upwardly at timed intervals. A cam 503 is mounted upon the shaft which drives the intermitter so as to break the circuit at a time when the accumulator elevators are stationary. If two new rows of cartons enter the ac- 17 cumulator before the end of the dwell period of the intermitter, the switches 487 and 489 will be closed and the clutch relay coil 497 will remain engaged or energized.

The top limit switch 490 of the accumulator is actuated when a predetermined number of superimposed rows of cartons C are collected in the accumulator. The switch 490 is physically engaged by the cartons of the upper row as they reach the proper position. When the switch 490 is engaged, it opens the switch blade 491 thus deenergizing the clutch relay coil 497 and causing the clutch to be disengaged and the brake to be engaged. The circuit will remain closed through the cam operated switch 502 until an appropriate time during the dwell period at which time the switch 502 will be opened and further movements of the accumulator cannot take place. The switch 502 connects the conductor 501 to a conductor 504 which connects with the conductor 493 which connects through the limit switch of the accumulator cylinder to the line wire L4A.

It is important that the conveyor which moves the cases from one station to another remain stantionary if the plunger head is in lowered position, if the elevator for elevating the cases into the compression unit is in elevated position or if the accumulator cylinder is in projected position. Accordingly, the circuit is provided from line wire L4A to a limit switch 505 actuated by the movement of the piston rod 159 in the head cylinder or plunger cylinder 161 when the plunger is in elevated position. The limit switch 505 is then in contact with a conductor 506 to a limit switch 507 which is actuated by the piston rod 349 of the elevator cylinder 351 when the elevator is in lowered position. The limit switch 507 when closed is connected to a conductor 509 which leads to a limit switch 510 which operates in unison with the limit switch blade 492 and is actuated by the piston rod 232 in the accumulator cylinder 234 when the accumulator plunger is in retracted position. The contact blade 510 when closed is connected to a conductor 511 which leads to a relay armature 512 of a relay 513. When the armature 512 is in closed position, it closes a circuit to a conductor 508 which connects with one terminal of a solenoid coil 514 which actuates the valve 370 controlling the flow of fluid to the index cylinder 122. The other terminal of the solenoid coil 514 is connected to an extension of the line wire L5A. Thus, when the relay 513 is actuated, a circuit is closed to the solenoid 514 which actuates the valve 370 which causes the piston in the index cylinder 122 to move to the other end of the cylinder. This causes the rack 117 which is connected to the piston rod 120 to advance the conveyor chains to another stage. When the piston rod 120 reaches the opposite extreme of its position, the piston rod 120 engages a limit switch 515 which is connected to the line wire L4A. When actuated, the limit switch blade 515 closes a circuit through the conductor 516 to the solenoid coil 517, the other terminal of this coil being connected to an extension of the line wire L5A. When the solenoid 517 is actuated, the position of the pilot valve 370 is reversed and the piston 120 returns to its starting position.

The conductor 516 is also connected to a conductor 519 connected to one terminal of the solenoid 520 which actuates the belt feed valve 400 in one direction. The other terminal of the solenoid coil 520 is connected to the line wire LSA to complete the circuit. When the coil 520 is actuated, the belt feed is raised out of engagement with the container.

The conductor 516 also functions to operate the feed cylinder. A conductor 521 connects the conductor 516 to one terminal of a solenoid coil 522 controlling the pilot valve 380. The other terminal of the coil 522 is connected to the line wire L5A to complete the circuit. Energization of the coil 522 causes fluid under pressure to be exerted against the feed cylinder which feeds a blank into the apparatus. When the feed cylinder reaches '18 the extremity of its movement, it strikes a limit switch blade 523 which are connected to the line wire L4A. When the limit switch 523 is closed, a circuit is closed through the conductor 524 to one terminal of the solenoid coil 525, the other terminal of which is connected to the line wire L5A. Actuation of the relay coil 525 operates the pilot valve 380 to return the feed mechanism to its starting position.

The operation of the index piston to its extreme position also causes operation of the elevator cylinder to raise a case from the conveyor into the compression unit. The conductor 516 is connected by a conductor 526 to one terminal of a solenoid coil 527, the other terminal of which is connected to the line wire LSA. Energization of the coil 527 actuates the pilot valve 375 to direct fluid to the cylinder 351 to move the piston 349 to its opposite extreme position. As the piston rod 349 reaches its opposite limit of movement, it engages a limit switch 529 which is connected to an extension of the line wire L4A. The closing of the switch 529 acts through the conductors 530 and 531 to one terminal of the solenoid coil 532, the other terminal of which is connected to line wire LSA. Energization of the coil 532 acts to move the pilot valve 375 to a position to direct fluid to the opposite end of the cylinder 351 and to return the piston rod 349 to its starting position.

As the elevator cylinder is operated, the compression cylinder is also actuated to momentarily release the compressive force against the cases as they are being raised. The conductor 516 is connected to a conductor 533 to one terminal of a solenoid coil 534, the other terminal of which is connected to the line wire L5A. Energization of the solenoid coil 534 causes fluid to be directed to the compression cylinder in a direction to release the pressure against the cases in the compression unit. The compression cylinder remains engaged until the elevator cylinder reaches the upper extremity of its stroke and closes the upper limit switch 529. This closes a circuit from the conductor 530, 535 to one terminal of a solenoid coil 536, the other terminal of which is connected to the line wire L5A to complete the circuit. Energization of the solenoid 536 changes the position of the valve 413 and directs air under pressure against the piston 327 in the compression cylinder 324 to apply pressure against the cases.

When the elevator cylinder reaches the upper extremity of its movement, the case discharge cylinder is also actuated to discharge the uppermost case from the top of the compression unit. The upper limit switch 529 connected to the conductor 530 is connected by a conductor 537 connected to one terminal of the solenoid coil 539, the other terminal of which is connected to the line wire L5A. Energization of the solenoid coil 539 which directs fluid under pressure into the cylinder 355 in a direction to advance the piston rod 353 and plunger to its other extreme position. When the piston rod 353 reaches its opposite extreme position, it engages a limit switch 540 to close a circuit from the line wire L4A through a conductor 541 to one terminal of the solenoid 542, the other terminal of which is connected to the line wire LSA to complete the circuit. Energization of the solenoid coil 542 causes a reversal of the valve 410 which directs air under pressure to the opposite end of the cylinder 355 to return the piston rod 353 to its starting position.

The raising of the elevator to its upper extreme position also acts to retract the stop index member 126 so that the conveyor may operate through another cycle of operation. The upper limit switch 529 of the elevator piston rod 349 is connected to conductor 530 which is connected to a conductor 543 leading to one terminal of a solenoid coil 544, the other terminal of which is connected to line wire L5A. Energization of the sole noid 5'44 acts upon the valve 417 to retract the piston rod 127 and to disengage the stop index so that the ratchet support 114 may be rotated. The stop index piston is moved in the opposite direction by the solenoid 

